Tapping, is there a certain tone to use? Options

[sentia]

I've been messing around with tapping lately and I noticed it's hard to make tapped notes sound as good as my picked notes. Is there a certain tone that makes it easier? Is it high gain, or overdrive, or long sustain? Also, I'm playing 12s; would using a lighter string gauge help? Or do I just need to practice with my right hand to hit the center of the fret harder?

[JamesT]

It probably depends on the tone your're going after. But yeah, higher gain for more sustain will even out the notes. It's good to practice getting even notes on clean settings too. Try to makethe tapped note and hammered, pull-off notes the same level/loudness. Then when you switch to a higher gain tone, everything will sound that much better. It think 12s would be ok. In general it takes more strength with heavier strings. But then again, you also get a fuller tone with them.

[Azzaboi]

Lighter strings would be easier and higher gain does help.

Think hammer-on and pull-offs. Hammer on hard enough to sound like a normal played note. The pull-off is slightly different as you remove the finger you slightly pluck the note downwards.

For tapping you can do the same, except you normally pull-off your finger slightly upwards. This will keep the note sustained and sound as loud as the other notes with a bit of practice and finger strength. Make sure that you dont hit the next string, you can mute the string with a free finger from the fretboard hand or the picking palm to ensure everything stays nice and clean.

This post has been edited by Azzaboi: Aug 3 2011, 07:36 AM

[Mudbone]

Try using the neck pickup, it really gives it a much fuller sound.

[sentia]

Should the neck pickup be lower (how I usually have it) or raised to get a good sound? Also, does lower action make the hammer-on part easier? My neck is a little bit warped so the action is higher on the higher frets, which might be why I have more trouble there...

This post has been edited by sentia: Aug 3 2011, 08:30 AM

[Ivan Milenkovic]

With tapping you need to set the overdrive high enough to get sustain, and it would be good if you could put compressor if you have one (try in software). Compressor will even out dynamics and help every note come out more clearly.

As far as technique goes, try not to press exactly on the fret, but just behind it, and pull off the string slightly downwards when releasing the tap.

[Daniel Realpe]

Make sure you pull the string downwards when you tap, and do it strongly

[Todd Simpson]

Some great replies Try everything that has been suggested. Also, work on your left hand strength. If you are pulling off with your left, and your left is weak, it will sound a bit off. You should be able to hammer/tap on and pull off using only your left hand. This takes practice and time, but once you have it down, adding the right hand is a lot easier.

Also, when you strike, make sure you have the other strings muted. Sympathetic vibrations will cause unwanted noise.

Todd

[Gabriel Leopardi]

The tapping technique depends exclusively of the force that you do with your right hand fingers.. the strength when you press and the strength when you pull off. If you are going to play live or with your band, it would be great to use a Compressor to quit dynamics to your sound and to make every note sound loud. If you are practising is better to start without the help of a Compressor.

[sentia]

Thanks for all the advice. Would a compressor make it easier to tap with a clean tone also?

I have more tone questions... I'm going away to college this year, and can only take a little tube amp with me, so I want to get some pedals to make it sound better. So far my list:

SolidGold Surfrider (reverb)
Compressor
Overdrive or Fuzz?

Any suggestions for the second two? This is my favorite tone for fuzz and this is my favorite sound for solos...

[Gabriel Leopardi]

Thanks for all the advice. Would a compressor make it easier to tap with a clean tone also?

I have more tone questions... I'm going away to college this year, and can only take a little tube amp with me, so I want to get some pedals to make it sound better. So far my list:

SolidGold Surfrider (reverb)
Compressor
Overdrive or Fuzz?

Any suggestions for the second two? This is my favorite tone for fuzz and this is my favorite sound for solos...

yeah, Compressors are very used for clean guitars so it will make easier to tap too.

The boss compressor is very used as well as the Boss Overdrives (SD1 - SD2). Another option would be to get the Visual Sound Route 66 that includes a great comp and a great overdrive based on the tube screamer in one pedal.

[MonkeyDAthos]

Any suggestions for the second two? This is my favorite tone for fuzz and this is my favorite sound for solos...

Kyuss \m/ great band. (little off topic i know ahah)

[Adrian Figallo]

everything said here, a compressor might do it.
also if you are experimenting, try a wah pedal + distorsion tapping it sounds great!